Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

DbPhoenix

The Trading Journal: Appendix A

Recommended Posts

Ok guys I'm not sure if anyone is actually reading this thing but I thought I'd try to help people discover what to trade. I'm going to disclose a few things about how I found my trading niche and offer some ideas to help people find out their niche. This may be a long post so if you want some help picking a niche, grab a coffee or beer before starting to read. List what you find so you can help keep track.

 

When I first started trading I was foolish enough to jump in without doing my homework. I jumped into trading a time frame that wasn’t suited to me and trading an instrument (options) that didn’t utilize my personal talents and advantages. So over time I managed to find the right instrument and time frame to trade but how did I go about it?

 

I actually found the time frame and instrument a bit blindly to be honest. I actually stumbled across them and then did the following stuff afterwards to clarify that it was the right thing for me. Hopefully if you’re reading this you can do it before backtesting or simulation trading a method so you don’t waste your time.

 

After reading a great book by Brett Steenbarger entitled “The Psychology of Trading” I realised the importance of finding a trading method that suited my personality. It is very important that you are trading a time frame that suits your personality, this doesn’t mean one that suits your other out of market commitments, that is very different.

 

Just because you work a day job doesn’t mean you should be trading according to daily time frames because the only time you can get to the screen is for fifteen minutes to see the close. First find what time frame suits you and then figure out a way to do it around your work or outside commitments. Being that we are in the thick of global economies you can trade any market around the world from you own home pretty much. So how did I the right time frame and market instrument and how can you find it?

 

Look at Past Activities and Sports

 

I started by looking at past activities and sports I enjoyed. By doing so I managed to find an interesting pattern. I always seemed to play sports that were reasonably fast paced. They included football (Australian Rules as I am from Australia, Ice Hockey, Basketball and Tennis). The one I liked the most out of those was Ice Hockey because there wasn’t really a dull moment for any player whilst on the Ice.

 

Another pattern was particular video games I used to enjoy. They were always ones that were action packed but still required strategy. Shooting games that needed you to be quick but at the same time take everything in that was on screen and work out how you’re going to get to the next area. I didn’t mind the thinking type games such as Command & Conquer and Sim City but I always found they took too long to get things done.

 

Another fast activity I enjoy is riding my motorbike. I like riding around the mountains going as fast as I can but still leaving something in reserve should I need to avoid a road hazard or get out of a bad situation. Here was another clue, I didn’t like putting myself totally on the line, something to keep in mind for risk management.

 

So looking at my history of things I enjoyed, I realized they were all pretty fast moving activities. Previously I had been trading longer term instruments where trades would last for weeks. Obviously not fitting my past activities I enjoyed.

 

So first thing you need to do is look at the activities you have enjoyed in the past and the nature of them. You may enjoy Baseball, Golf or playing Poker which are activities that give you more time to think about your next move.

 

So I had found that I needed something which had a bit more action and was quick. I then needed to find out my personality traits and talents. To do this I looked at how I interacted with people on a social level and what my subjects I gravitated towards in School. You can do the same for College or University or even look at your job.

 

Finding Personality Traits and Talents

 

First starting with school. I was always someone who picked things up very quickly, I’m a fast learner. Another clue to what I should be doing. I never enjoyed nor was I good at History, Math and Science. I enjoyed English, Graphics, Theatre/Drama and Sport. Right there if you read between the lines it tells you that I don’t like the subjects with heavy calculations and rules. I liked subjects with creativity but didn’t like the rules accompanied with Math and Sciences. History required intense study of the past and remembering of facts and information. So I realised I had a liking for and a talent of the creative subjects but without using hard statistics.

 

If you think about your School or College/University days and your current workplace, you can find out what areas you were good at and just as importantly what areas you enjoyed. You need to find areas that you enjoy and that you are good at. Both are important.

 

I then thought about my social life and what I tended to do in conversations and groups. I noticed that I was a quick thinker when it came to talking with people. When I am in a conversation I think about what the person I am talking to will say in response to what I am going to say, before I say it. So like a Chess player who thinks moves in advance, I think conversations in advance. I then try to lead the conversation to the direction I would like it. That was another clue, I seemed to put possibilities together before they happened.

 

I also noticed that I would constantly look for signs in people to tell me that they are enjoying the conversation or looking for something different to talk about. This is when I realized that I liked looking for things people were saying without saying it verbally. Another clue for trading that I tended to look for things that were being told but without being obvious. The last thing I realized was that I was creative in my humor. I would not tell a joke straight, I would make a comment that would get people to think about the joke. Instead of telling a punch line I would give people a reference to come up with the punch line themselves. This was another clue into my personality trait of thinking ahead and my creativity.

 

At School I always was a bit different to everyone else. I wouldn’t do things to fit in, in fact I deliberately would go out of my way to do the opposite of what most people did. Yet some how I managed to still be well liked by the majority of people in school. This was another clue that I didn’t like to follow crowds, I also didn’t like to follow the rules of the School. If there was a rule I thought logically didn’t make sense, I wouldn’t follow it. Things such as wearing a tie with the uniform or being cleanly shaven.

 

Just take some time to think about your own social experiences. You need to be honest with yourself. If you were someone who was comfortable fitting in with everyone else, write that down. It will help determine whether you should be following the trend or going against the grain. There is no point going against the grain if every time you do, you feel unsafe and sick in the stomach because it doesn’t fit with your personality. You also want to think about how you interact with people and whether you are quick in your responses or whether you like to take your time to think about what you say. That can tell you if you suit a fast paced market or a slower moving one.

 

How You Drive Your Car

 

The last thing I thought about was how I ride my motor bike and drive my car. I look for people in their cars turning their heads to see if they are going to change lanes. I look at the front tires of a car to see if they are going to come into my lane. I watch the car and how they move within a lane to see if they are a reasonable driver or a terrible one that is moving from one side of their lane to another. I drive a touch faster than everyone else on the road because I rather keep my eyes on the people in front of me instead of having to watch people next to me and coming up from behind me. These are clues to what I tend to gravitate towards. I am observant of things that aren’t so obvious and I am very individual.

 

There are many things you can find out about yourself in regards to how you drive your car and if you follow the rules strictly or believe it is safer for you to do something else.

 

Think about anything else you can to tell you what your personality is like. I wear clothes in the same style I have worn for ten years. I don’t care if the fashions change, I know my style and I stick with it. I am “street smart” more than academic smart. I like to learn on my own more than being taught by someone else because I think I can learn it myself.

 

List Your Findings

 

Whatever you think of, slice it up and look at the hidden meaning behind it. Then once you have a list of things you do, you then need to see how that relates to trading. I wrote my list that looks something like the following.

 

Don’t like to follow rules unless I agree with them

Good at seeing between the lines

Like being creative

Like things fast paced with action

Don’t like to overexpose myself and feel unsafe

Don’t like following the crowds

 

Look For Markets That Suit Your Findings

 

So how did I know to trade futures in an intraday time frame? Well I learnt from a past mentor that certain markets should be traded at certain timeframes. Here is the following:

 

Equities should be traded using daily charts

Options should be traded using weekly charts

Futures should be traded intra day

Forex should be traded intra day

 

Now this is not set in stone and only my opinion. I am sure there are people out there trading these instruments in different timeframes to what I have mentioned. The reason these are like I have listed them above is because of the volume traded. Equities are traded a lot but there isn’t the liquidity to get in and out of positions as easily as forex and futures. Don’t forget I am from Australia and our market is not as Liquid as the US or London markets.

 

Considering I wanted to trade quickly, not be exposed to things out of my control and have a bit more discretion in my trading, I realised the Futures were my most suited trading vehicle. I trade them looking at a 5 minute basis and e-minis in particular have high liquidity. I trade against the grain but follow the overall flow of the market. I use the NYSE Tick to tell me that the equities are doing something different to the index futures, looking between the lines. My other indicators are guides and not strict rules where I must do X if Y occurs. I have the freedom to interpret markets.

 

If you get your list of what you are after, you can find a rough time frame to trade such as intra day charts, daily charts, monthly charts, or maybe no charts at all. You may find you are good at reading business statements and use fundamentals.

 

You can then work out your style of trading whether you like to trade with the grain or against the grain. There is no inbetween. Your either trading as the market is moving or your trading as the market is stalling looking for the opposite direction. You can find out if you need strict rules to tell you what you should be doing or whether you trust your own judgment to make the strict rules simply guides.

 

This should hopefully get you headed in the right direction and give you some guidance. Once this stuff is figured out, look for a mentor who trades in a similar way to what you’re looking for or ask around forums for what people recommend according to what you’re looking for. At least you will start in the right direction and can focus on the plan instead of asking whether you are in the right niche. (jasont)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello Dear DbPhoenix, thanks for your great explantion about you came to trade what you trade and how you trade it.

 

I am sure that if everybody take the time to read what you wrote, they would find great gems for developping the right mindset in order to approach their trading according to their own temperament and impulses and because others are doing it.

 

Your post help me a lot and and your writing suggest to me that you are a very sincere and honnest folk who has a true desire to help other.

 

So, great hat to for that post and I am humble to being able to read it.

 

Great trading day and week to you

 

Sincerely

 

Shreem

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Hello Dear DbPhoenix, thanks for your great explantion about you came to trade what you trade and how you trade it.

 

I am sure that if everybody take the time to read what you wrote, they would find great gems for developping the right mindset in order to approach their trading according to their own temperament and impulses and because others are doing it.

 

Your post help me a lot and and your writing suggest to me that you are a very sincere and honnest folk who has a true desire to help other.

 

So, great hat to for that post and I am humble to being able to read it.

 

Great trading day and week to you

 

Sincerely

 

Shreem

 

I should point out that this was written not by me but by "jasont" (note the name at the end of the passage). I've quoted it here so that those who are interested may be aware of at least one other trader's process.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Date: 11th July 2025.   Demand For Gold Rises As Trump Announces Tariffs!   Gold prices rose significantly throughout the week as investors took advantage of the 2.50% lower entry level. Investors also return to the safe-haven asset as the US trade policy continues to escalate. As a result, investors are taking a more dovish tone. The ‘risk-off’ appetite is also something which can be seen within the stock market. The NASDAQ on Thursday took a 0.90% dive within only 30 minutes.   Trade Tensions Escalate President Trump has been teasing with new tariffs throughout the week. However, the tariffs were confirmed on Thursday. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports starting August 1st, along with 50% tariffs on copper and goods from Brazil. Some experts are advising that Brazil has been specifically targeted due to its association with the BRICS.   However, the President has not directly associated the tariffs with BRICS yet. According to President Trump, Brazil is targeting US technology companies and carrying out a ‘witch hunt’against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally who is currently facing prosecution for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2022 Brazilian election.   Although Brazil is one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the Americas, it is not the main concern for investors. Investors are more concerned about Tariffs on Canada. The White House said it will impose a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, effective August 1st, raised from the earlier 25% rate. This covers most goods, with exceptions under USMCA and exemptions for Canadian companies producing within the US.   It is also vital for investors to note that Canada is among the US;’s top 3 trading partners. The increase was justified by Trump citing issues like the trade deficit, Canada’s handling of fentanyl trafficking, and perceived unfair trade practices.   The President is also threatening new measures against the EU. These moves caused US and European stock futures to fall nearly 1%, while the Dollar rose and commodity prices saw small gains. However, the main benefactor was Silver and Gold, which are the two best-performing metals of the day.   How Will The Fed Impact Gold? The FOMC indicated that the number of members warming up to the idea of interest rate cuts is increasing. If the Fed takes a dovish tone, the price of Gold may further rise. In the meantime, the President pushing for a 3% rate cut sparked talk of a more dovish Fed nominee next year and raised worries about future inflation.   Meanwhile, jobless claims dropped for the fourth straight week, coming in better than expected and supporting the view that the labour market remains strong after last week’s solid payroll report. Markets still expect two rate cuts this year, but rate futures show most investors see no change at the next Fed meeting. Gold is expected to finish the week mostly flat.       Gold 15-Minute Chart     If the price of Gold increases above $3,337.50, buy signals are likely to materialise again. However, the price is currently retracing, meaning traders are likely to wait for regained momentum before entering further buy trades. According to HSBC, they expect an average price of $3,215 in 2025 (up from $3,015) and $3,125 in 2026, with projections showing a volatile range between $3,100 and $3,600   Key Takeaway Points: Gold Rises on Safe-Haven Demand. Gold gained as investors reacted to rising trade tensions and market volatility. Canada Tariffs Spark Concern. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports drew attention due to Canada’s key trade role. Fed Dovish Shift Supports Gold. Growing expectations of rate cuts and Trump’s push for a 3% cut boosted the gold outlook. Gold Eyes Breakout Above $3,337.5. Price is consolidating; a move above $3,337.50 could trigger new buy signals. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • Back in the early 2000s, Netflix mailed DVDs to subscribers.   It wasn’t sexy—but it was smart. No late fees. No driving to Blockbuster.   People subscribed because they were lazy. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone else is lazy too.   Those who saw the future in that red envelope? They could’ve caught a 10,000%+ move.   Another story…   Back in the mid-2000s, Amazon launched Prime.   It wasn’t flashy—but it was fast.   Free two-day shipping. No minimums. No hassle.   People subscribed because they were impatient. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone hates waiting.   Those who saw the future in that speedy little yellow button? They could’ve caught another 10,000%+ move.   Finally…   Back in 2011, Bitcoin was trading under $10.   It wasn’t regulated—but it worked.   No bank. No middleman. Just wallet to wallet.   People used it to send money. Investors bought it because they saw the potential.   Those who saw something glimmering in that strange orange coin? They could’ve caught a 100,000%+ move.   The people who made those calls weren’t fortune tellers. They just noticed something simple before others did.   A better way. A quiet shift. A small edge. An asymmetric bet.   The red envelope fixed late fees. The yellow button fixed waiting. The orange coin gave billions a choice.   Of course, these types of gains are rare. And they happen only once in a blue moon. That’s exactly why it’s important to notice when the conditions start to look familiar.   Not after the move. Not once it's on CNBC. But in the quiet build-up— before the surface breaks.   Enter the Blue Button Please read more here: https://altucherconfidential.com/posts/netflix-amazon-bitcoin-blue  Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/ 
    • What These Attacks Look Like There are several ways you could get hacked. And the threats compound by the day.   Here’s a quick rundown:   Phishing: Fake emails from your “bank.” Click the link, give your password—game over.   Ransomware: Malware that locks your files and demands crypto. Pay up, or it’s gone.   DDoS: Overwhelm a website with traffic until it crashes. Like 10,000 bots blocking the door. Often used by nations.   Man-in-the-Middle: Hackers intercept your messages on public WiFi and read or change them.   Social Engineering: Hackers pose as IT or drop infected USB drives labeled “Payroll.”   You don’t need to be “important” to be a target.   You just need to be online.   What You Can Do (Without Buying a Bunker) You don’t have to be tech-savvy.   You just need to stop being low-hanging fruit.   Here’s how:   Use a YubiKey (physical passkey device) or Authenticator app – Ditch text message 2FA. SIM swaps are real. Hackers often have people on the inside at telecom companies.   Use a password manager (with Yubikey) – One unique password per account. Stop using your dog’s name.   Update your devices – Those annoying updates patch real security holes. Use them.   Back up your files – If ransomware hits, you don’t want your important documents held hostage.   Avoid public WiFi for sensitive stuff – Or use a VPN.   Think before you click – Emails that feel “urgent” are often fake. Go to the websites manually for confirmation.   Consider Starlink in case the internet goes down – I think it’s time for me to make the leap. Don’t Panic. Prepare. (Then Invest.)   I spent an hour in that basement bar reading about cyberattacks—and watching real-world systems fall apart like dominos.   The internet going down used to be an inconvenience. Now, it’s a warning.   Cyberwar isn’t coming. It’s here.   And the next time your internet goes out, it might not just be your router.   Don’t panic. Prepare.   And maybe keep a backup plan in your back pocket. Like a local basement bar with good bourbon—and working WiFi.   As usual, we’re on the lookout for more opportunities in cybersecurity. Stay tuned.   Author: Chris Campbell (AltucherConfidential) Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/   
    • DUMBSHELL:  re the automation of corruption ---  200,000 "Science Papers" in academic journal database PubMed may have been AI-generated with errors, hallucinations and false sourcing 
    • Does any crypto exchanges get banned in your country? How's about other as Bybit, Kraken, MEXC, OKX?
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.